Must-do things over the Singapore summer

Updated on 16th August 2017 by Shamus Sillar|

Summer’s here, and if you’re not heading back to your home country or on a long vacation, why not just make Singapore your holiday spot to explore? Throw out those predictable weekend routines and look for a new activity or two! To get you started, here are half a dozen must-do things – from remarkable eating experiences to high-octane fun. Plus, for sorting your money matters, we’ve listed a bunch of extra benefits you can take advantage of when using the newly refreshed HSBC Advance Credit Card while you’re getting active around the island.

#1 Shoot for the (Michelin) stars

Singapore is a foodie’s dream – even the humble hawker centre delivers gastronomic joy. At the other end of the scale, if you’ve not eaten at a Michelin-rated restaurant, why not save some pennies and set aside a date night? Housed in the iconic National Gallery, Odette is one of only six Singapore restaurants with two Michelin stars (it also featured in the World’s Best Restaurants list this year). We love that the glass-enclosed kitchen allows you to watch the chefs preparing the modern French dishes. C’est fantastique!

For HSBC customers, the Advance Credit Card offers up to 3.5% cash back on all spend, with no minimum spend

#2 Slip and slide at Adventure Cove Waterpark

This mega-fun theme park, part of Resorts World Sentosa, has something to suit every taste, from high-octane water slides (we love the hydro-magnetic Riptide Rocket – the first coaster of its kind in Southeast Asia) to mellow drifting on a lazy river, or snorkelling over a reef with 20,000 tropical fish. Keep an eye out for special summer activities between now and the end of July.

The HSBC Advance Credit Card offers quick and convenient payments via Apple Pay and Visa payWave, so you can be first in the queue for a ride!

#3 See Singapore’s wildlife by night

Many will be familiar with the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo, but did you know you can enjoy a gourmet dinner as part of the experience? An Evening in the Wild begins with a novel cocktail reception beside a grazing herd of Ankole cattle – check out those majestic horns! – before a tram ride leads you via the Safari’s exotic animals to a secret lamp-lit campsite by a lake. Here, a three-course feast is served inside Singapore’s first tipi tent, before you settle in to your special reserved seats for the Creatures of the Night Show.

Driving on the island? HSBC Advance Credit Card holders can enjoy instant petrol discounts of up to 16% at Caltex and 14% at Shell service stations.

#4 Scoop up a bargain online

If you need a break from the heat and hustle of Orchard, you’ll find online shopping options galore at your fingertips in Singapore. Most international sites – including Asos, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, TheOutnet.com and Nordstrom – ship here, but there are plenty of local stores too. Zalora is one of Asia’s biggest online shopping platforms, with plenty of brands you’re likely to recognise, including New Look, River Island, Mango, Nine West and Steve Madden.

HSBC Advance Credit Card holders can enjoy 15% off storewide at Zalora with a minimum spend of S$100, until 31 December 2017

#5 Scamper away for a weekend

One of the beauties of living in Singapore is that there are so many short-break holiday options right on the doorstep, so even a weekend away is a breeze – or, why not get a bit strategic and piggyback onto one of the year’s many public holidays to add an extra day? Our recommendations for notable nearby holiday spots for a Friday to Sunday session include Bali, Bintan, Langkawi (pictured), Phuket, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Penang and Kota Kinabalu.

Charge your entire travel fare to your HSBC Advance Credit Card and receive coverage of up to S$300,000 for you, your spouse and children, including travel accident and flight inconvenience

#6 Staycay like a champ

If flights are all full or you just haven’t had the chance to organise an overseas escape, but you’re still craving a break from the 9 to 5, a staycation is a great way to refresh body, mind and spirit. Accommodation options abound in Singapore, from five-star international names lining the bay, to quirky boutique joints in interesting areas. Check in, hit the pool, have a high tea, book a massage, explore the neighbourhood for drinks and dinner, then wake up to a lavish buffet breakfast.

The HSBC Advance Credit Card allows for up to 75% off hotel bookings through Agoda, and up to 10% through Expedia

Coming soon…

See Sentosa from up high

Bungee-jump pioneer AJ Hackett is set to open a facility on Sentosa later in the year – stay tuned for more!

Brought to you by HSBC Advance. The refreshed HSBC Advance credit card launched on 1 June 2017, with up to 3.5% cash back on all spend, and a host of retail and lifestyle benefits. Terms and conditions apply.

Psst! Sign up before 31 July 2017 to receive a Gold Class Movie Card worth S$138 or S$120 Cash Back.

HSBC Advance enables customers to manage their banking relationship and investment portfolio online, and access personal financing options with preferred rates on select products. To be eligible, customers must hold or have applied for a HSBC credit card; salary crediting or reoccurring deposit of at least $3,500 per month is also required.

About Shamus Sillar

While he has worked as a magazine editor since 2003, Shamus also has a PhD in Roman History (useful!) and is a published author. He grew up on a farm in Australia, on the road between Byron Bay and Nimbin, which might explain a few things.

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